Campground Host

Set aside as our nation’s first national monument in 1906, Devils Tower is an astounding geologic feature that protrudes out of the prairie surrounding the Black Hills of Wyoming. It is considered sacred by Northern Plains Indians and indigenous people. Hundreds of parallel cracks make it one of the finest crack climbing areas in North America. Devils Tower entices us to learn more, explore more and define our place in the natural and cultural world.

Camp hosts work 32 hours per week with two consecutive days off per week. The two days off will be scheduled mid-week as hosts are expected to work weekends and holidays. These hours can be worked by an individual or divided between a couple. Volunteers are required to wear the National Park Service Volunteer uniform (shirts and hats are provided); hosts are responsible for providing their footwear. Host positions begin mid-May and continue through October. Season length is somewhat negotiable. Unfortunately, no stipend is available for these positions. A list of benefits to the host is provided below.

Volunteers will receive an orientation to the park and training to fulfill all assigned duties, including:

• Providing a welcoming environment to campers in their campground.
• Being prominently located as a resource for campers; this includes providing accurate, concise information to the public and communicating the information in a professional manner. Hosts are expected to assist visitors who stop by the host campsite.
• Performing “rounds” in the entire campground twice a day (typically early morning and evening) by foot (if vehicle is not available) for the purpose of answering visitor questions, checking fee compliance and educating visitors on park resources and regulations.
• Operating a government-owned golf-cart or pick-up in their assigned campground for the purpose of making contacts with campers
• Using handheld radios to communicate with staff and other volunteers in a professional manner.
• Assisting park staff with management of the campground.
• Informing visitors of park regulations in a friendly manner.
• Assessing situations and reporting emergencies or major violations to law enforcement staff.
• Assisting visitors with campground fee payment procedures which are all self-registration stations. Hosts do not collect fees.
• Notifying park maintenance staff of campground maintenance needs. Hosts are not expected to perform maintenance duties themselves.

Benefits to the Host:

• A complimentary campsite in the host’s assigned campground, including electric, water, sewage. Wi-fi connection is not available, but 3G and 4G capable devices are mostly reliable in the campground area.
• Meeting new people, discovering and exploring the Black Hills of South Dakota

Belle Fourche River Campground Description:

This is the only campground at Devils Tower National Monument. It is open from May through October, weather permitting. Camping is handled on a first-come, first-served basis – there is no reservation system. Every site has a picnic table and fire pit with grill. There are restrooms with running water, but no hook-ups at any sites and no dump station.

Desired Skills and Characteristics of Camp Hosts:

• Professional, friendly, and eager to provide good customer service and to make visitors feel welcome.
• Self-motivated, self-starter, and independent.
• Enjoys exploring and learning about a new location independently and sharing that newfound knowledge with visitors to the campground.
• Takes advantage of their free time to get to know the region.
• Desire to be an ambassador to the public on behalf of Devils Tower National Monument Area and National Park System.
• Physical demands –can be a fair amount of walking and bending